Frontier Partner Projects

Venture into a land of lost cities, rising through the mountain mists like ghosts. Feel the spine tingling and magical atmosphere that pervades the very air in Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World that was the stronghold of the venerable Inca rulers. This project entails two key phases; initially you will spend three weeks making a vital contribution to the running of an under-resourced and under-funded community centre that provides a lifeline for women and children struggling to live and cope with extreme poverty. Following this you will travel to the cloud shrouded ruins around Machu Picchu Mountain and explore the lore and legend of its past; shamanic legends say that if you touch your head to the stone walls, the Intihuatana opens your vision to the spirit world. Embrace the challenge of trekking amongst the peaks that surround the edifice, make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged women and children in this beautiful country, and partake of a culture that has captivated visitors for centuries!

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The reality for most children living on the streets of Peru's towns and cities is a life of constant terrifying struggle, a lack of love and affection, and an uncertain future. Over 3,500 children live on the streets of Cusco, many abandoned by families who cannot afford to feed them. But the loneliness and fear experienced by these children, forced to live on the street alone are the most painful affliction. The community development that you will be working in provides a vital lifeline for those who seek a way out of their precarious existence on the streets. You can help give them the chance of an education, and provide them with the confidence boost and attention that they so desperately crave. Meanwhile, you are sure to enjoy a gap year or year out that will be absolutely unforgettable.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Whilst participating on this project, you will be engaged for the first 18 days in a range of activities, helping children who have suffered through a lack of any positive attention in their lives, and who need the stability and commitment of dedicated volunteers to enable them to progress. You will help the children with their homework, create activities and events focusing on constructive arts and crafts programmes, introduce them to drama and sports, and prepare and serve a nutritious evening meal. There is also the chance to help the English teacher, and work towards a free Frontier TEFL Certificate. What is most important is that throughout your time with the children you are showing them the support and positive direction that they crave and deserve. For these underprivileged youngsters you will be filling the role of mentor, parent, friend and so much more – an incredibly rewarding and life changing experience for both parties. Daily activities begin around 3pm, leaving you the morning free to take language lessons or explore Cusco and all it has to offer. Your working day will end at around 7pm, and you will head home to a delicious meal.

At the end of the 23 days community development phase, you will travel to Machu Picchu and spend five days trekking, where you will enjoy the challenge of tackling the Andes, visiting magnificent snow-capped mountains, traditional Andean communities, majestic waterfalls, as well as pushing yourself with the challenging physical aspect of trekking in Peru.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

You will be collected form the airport in Cusco by a friendly Frontier representative, and escorted by taxi to your accommodation. Each day you can walk the short journey to your project or take a local taxi which is very inexpensive.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Whilst volunteering on this project, you will stay in shared dormitory style accommodation in a local hostel one blocks walk away from your placement. Whilst on the trek to Machu Pichu you could be accommodated in a variety of tents or hostels en route depending upon the weather or seasonal conditions at the time.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

If you are staying in the hostel this project is self catered. The hostel has an open and totally equipped kitchen with everything guests need to cook their own meals. Cusco has a variety of bakeries, markets and shops nearby as well as numerous coffee shops and restaurants for those who wish to head out into town and experience the nightlife of this world famous town which will give you the chance to get a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

There are so many activities to try here that you certainly won't be short of things to enjoy in your spare time. Try swimming in forest waterfalls, hang-gliding, kite surfing, sailing, canoeing and many more! Explore the town and gain an insight into Peruvian culture – try local foods, buy beautiful hand-woven fabrics in the markets. Of course you will experience trekking in the mountains during the second phase of your project.

COSTS

4 weeks
US$
2,345

Extra week
US$
345

DEPARTURE DATES

Please arrive on the first Thursday of the month.

Please note there is no availability in July 2015.

This project is not available over the Christmas period

DURATION

From 4 weeks

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Before you go

Pre-departure support

Travel and medical advice and documentation

Equipment advice

Discounted medical kit

Free Frontier t-shirt

In-country

Accommodation

Airport pick-up

Internal ground transfers & in-transit accommodation

Local orientation

Project training

Project equipment & materials

In-country emergency support

24-hour international HQ back-up

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Nearest airport(s):
Cuzco (CUZ)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Flights

Flights are not included in our project costs. However, Frontier have partnered with an experienced and professional team of travel experts to help our volunteers find the best flight deals for their trips with Frontier. This travel specialist operates in the tailor-made, long haul multi-stop travel market, arranging complex airfares and transfers for independent travellers. They provide expertise, security and a vast product range along with a Travel Butler service which is a single point of contact and support whilst you are overseas.

We recommend that you obtain a quote using the following contact details rather than book online, as our partner will offer you the most competitive fares. To receive your quote or to seek any advice for your flights, please contact Frontier’s dedicated team of travel experts on 0800 082 9994 (or +44 800 082 9994 outside the UK) or email frontier@flightcentre.co.uk
.

Visas

Depending on your destination country and your country of origin, you might require a visa. Please see the appropriate country consular website for details or contact our affiliate visa consultancy service. Please note that your visa will usually start on the date that you enter the destination country regardless of when it was issued. Please check with the relevant embassy or high commission. If you are purchasing your visa or paying entry/exit fees in-country you will probably need to pay in US Dollars. If you have any questions please consult the relevant embassy or high commission. Please check the visa information regularly, as changes often happen without warning.

Insurance

You'll need to buy appropriate travel insurance covering your participation on the
project. You won't be able to go without the right travel insurance so double check
to avoid disappointment. Please make sure that you're covered for the whole duration
of your trip – from the day you leave the UK to the day you return. It's also best
to get your travel insurance at the same time as paying the deposit for your project.
Depending on your policy, this will cover you for any unexpected cancellations.

Cancellation and curtailment of your trip (up to the value of your project contribution).

If you are going to be scuba diving you should get coverage for scuba diving up
to 30m, including hyperbaric therapy treatment (unlimited). You should consider
obtaining insurance to cover you for any additional activities which you plan to
do during, before, or after your Frontier project. We recommend that you obtain
cover for your baggage and personal effects.

LEGAL STATEMENT
Frontier Partner Projects and Frontier group projects are run in partnership with
in-country NGOs, small community based organisations, local research institutes,
academic organisations and conservation agencies. Project descriptions and information
are supplied directly by our partners or field staff and are accurate at time of
publishing.

We aim to keep information up to date and accurate, however, the nature of our projects
and in particular the fact that they are constantly evolving and developing in response
to changing needs means that project activities, travel schedules, tour itineraries
and daily timetables can change overnight and without notice.

To apply for this project, or to register your interest, just click on the orange "Apply Now!" button at the top of the menu. Fill out and submit a short application form and then one of our advisers will give you a call back to answer any questions and to progress your application if you wish to continue.

There is no obligation when making an application, and you do not need to pay anything at this point.